Parramatta cleanout has begun

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The ongoing juggling act at Parramatta ahead of 2010 has taken another twist with back-rower Weller Hauraki the latest player told he is free to look elsewhere at the end of the season.<br><br>Just a week after the Eels’ new board was compelled to issue a press release insisting captain Nathan Cayless would not be released early from his big-money contract amid speculation to the contrary, Hauraki – who is also contracted to the club for another 12 months – has been granted permission to negotiate with other clubs instead.<br><br>And he may not be the only one.<br><br>A source close to the club told NRL.com today that a number of players that coach Daniel Anderson is unlikely to keep beyond next season – almost all of them forwards – have already been tapped on the shoulder and told that it might be in their best interests to look elsewhere sooner rather than later.<br><br>The recent signing of Dragons prop Justin Poore and the Roosters’ Shane Shackleton has placed Parramatta’s under-performing pack on notice, with many of them certain to lose value on the market should they find themselves spending more time with feeder club Wentworthville in the NSW Cup next season.<br><br>“The club isn’t going to sack any player that is on contract but some of those that are coming off next year have been told that they might be better off looking around now for a new home,” the source said.<br><br>Hauraki’s manager, David Riolo, refused to comment when asked about Hauraki’s situation but admitted another of his clients, Josh Cordoba, was struggling to find a home in 2010.<br><br>Cordoba, Todd Lowrie and Junior Paulo – all off contract at the end of the current season – are among those under immediate pressure to be re-signed with the former having already been told that he isn’t in Anderson’s plans.<br><br>“Josh only played one game and then he was dropped so it has been a bit difficult for him to show everyone what he has to offer,” Riolo said.<br><br>“Daniel basically told him that he wasn’t his style of player.”<br><br>Asked about Hauraki, Riolo said: “I’m more worried about my players that don’t have a contract for next year than those that do.”<br><br>The Eels are also battling to retain veteran back-rower Joe Galuvao who has been negotiating a new deal for the past two months but has since fielded a respectable offer from rivals Manly.<br><br>However, their primary concern now is filling the no.7 jersey next season, with former Sea Eagles and now Warrington star Michael Monaghan ruled out as a viable option due to the salary cap.<br><br>Topping the list of potential options are Cronulla’s man of the moment Scott Porter – who is yet to be re-signed by the Sharks for next season – and former Eels halfback Tim Smith who wants to return to Australia after two seasons with English giants Wigan.<br><br>Smith famously walked out on the Eels 12 months ago after a long battle with depression.<br><br>“But things were different back then,” Riolo admitted today. “I haven’t even mentioned Tim’s name to Parramatta but I can assure you that he would go back if the opportunity arose.<br><br>“He definitely wants to come back to Australia next year.”<br><br>New Eels chief executive Andrew Hill didn’t return calls today but Leagues Club chairman Roy Spagnolo previously told NRL.com that Parramatta’s resurrection as a premiership force would take time and that coach Daniel Anderson has the board’s full backing.